Tears through the years: John Boehner gets emotional

Jessica Durando

USA TODAY

House Speaker John Boehner, who just announced that he will give up his House seat at the end of October, is known for being an emotional guy. Here's a compilation of times he couldn't help but let the waterworks flow.

1. When Pope Francis came to D.C.

House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio becomes emotional as Pope Francis appears on the Speaker's Balcony on Capitol Hill, on Sept. 24, 2015.

For Boehner, the historic day was special and emotionally overwhelming. "What a day," Boehner said Thursday, at the end of the first-ever papal address to a joint session of Congress. "What a moment for our country. … The Holy Father's visit is surely a blessing for all of us." He ended up crying through the pope's speech.

2. On opportunities for kids

In an interview with Golf Channel that aired on August 3, Boehner got teary-eyed when he discussed America's youth. "I want to make sure that every kid had the same chance I did," Boehner told host David Feherty. "An opportunity."

3. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' resignation ceremony

Video image provided by House Television shows Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz. and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, on the floor of the House on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Jan. 25, 2012. Giffords resigned from the House on Wednesday amid tears, tributes and standing ovations, more than a year after she was gravely wounded by a would-be assassin.

During Gifford's resignation ceremony in January 2012, many were in tears, including Boehner. According to theHuffington Post, "As Giffords made her way over to the Speaker's chair to submit her resignation letter, she stumbled but Boehner helped her get her footing and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He took her letter, squeezed her hand, then the waterworks began."

4. When given the House gavel

Boehner wipes away tears as he waits to receive the gavel from outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Jan. 5, 2011.

Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi transferred power and the speaker's gavel to Boehner on Jan. 5, 2011. He pledged that the Republican Party would lead the House of Representatives with humility and be "honest, accountable and responsive" to the American people.

Boehner gets emotional during speech to Ohio State University graduates.

5.OSU commencement address

As Boehner spoke to graduates of Ohio State University in June 2011, he couldn't help but choke up several times. He became particularly emotional when discussing hard work and asking grads to write a letter of gratitude to those who have helped them along the way. He also said they should not be afraid to shed a tear of thanks for the happiness in their lives.

Photos: Speaker John Boehner through the years

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